Method and system and file format of generating content by reference

Abstract

A method of generating content defined by a file of a prescribed format. A portion of a first work of content is automatically identified responsive to a user selection thereof. The first work of content may be audio, video, and still images. A reference to the portion of the first work of content is generated responsive to the identifying. Instructions associated with the portion of the first work of content operable for use by a playback device to render the content are generated. The reference and the instructions are incorporated in a digital file of a prescribed format operable for use by the playback device during rendition of the content. The file may be stored in a memory component. The playback device is operable to use the reference to access the portion of the first work of content from a source other than the file during rendition of the file.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of generating content to be distributed, said method comprising:
 responsive to a determination that at least a portion of a first work of content is not authorized for distribution by an entity generating the content to be distributed, generating a reference to said portion of said first work of content, the reference not being the portion of the first work; 
 generating instructions associated with said portion of said first work of content operable for use during rendering by a playback device; 
 incorporating said reference and said instructions in a digital file and not incorporating the portion of the first work in the digital file such that the digital file is distributable without violating distribution prohibitions associated with the portion of the first work; and 
 responsive to a determination that at least a portion of a second work of content is authorized for distribution by an entity generating the content to be distributed, incorporating the portion of the second work and/or a reference thereto in the digital file. 
 
     
     
       2. The method as described by  claim 1  further comprising:
 incorporating the portion of the second work in the digital file along with the reference to the portion of the first work. 
 
     
     
       3. The method as described by  claim 1  further comprising:
 generating instructions associated with said portion of said second work of content operable for use during rendering by said playback device; and 
 incorporating said portion of said second work of content and said instructions associated with said portion of said second work of content in said file. 
 
     
     
       4. The method as described by  claim 1  further comprising:
 automatically identifying a portion of a third work of content in response to a user selection thereof; 
 in response to said identifying said portion of said third work of content, generating a reference to said portion of said third work of content; 
 generating instructions associated with said portion of said third work of content operable for use during rendering by said playback device; and 
 incorporating said reference to said portion of said third work of content and said instructions associated with said portion of said third work of content in said file. 
 
     
     
       5. The method as described by  claim 1 , wherein said first work of content is selected from a group consisting of audio, video, and still images. 
     
     
       6. The method as described by  claim 1 , wherein said playback device is operable to use said reference to access said portion of said first work of content from a source other than said file during rendition of said file. 
     
     
       7. The method as described by  claim 6 , wherein said playback device is operable to render said portion of said first work of content based on effects specified by said instructions.